WE report many inspiring examples of courage and optimism. The story about John Hughes is one of them.

The Swindon businessman's decision to give £4,600 raised at a series of charity golf events to the Evening Advertiser's Swindon Cancer Appeal is a moving tribute to the care he received from Macmillan nurses following the diagnosis of throat cancer which hit him earlier this year.

John is now recovering from the gruelling treatment and is making good progress.

We join his family and friends, and the doctors and nurses who continue to care for him, in wishing him a speedy return to complete health.

His gift is the biggest single donation so far.

John's story shows that a diagnosis of cancer need not mean despair.

It also indicates the value of skilled, specialist nurses nurses like those who work for Macmillan.

Money for the Swindon Cancer Appeal is coming in steadily. Please keep it flowing.

One never knows when we or somebody close to us might need, as John Hughes did, that specialist care.